FFC Legend: Tony Gale

We uncover the Fulham heroes of the past – the players that your older brothers and sisters, parents and even grandparents used to cheer on. Here, we reveal the talents of Tony Gale.

WHEN? 1977-1984

APPEARANCES/GOALS: 318/21

SIGNED FROM: Academy Graduate

POSITION: Centre-back

TOP ATTRIBUTES: Awareness, passing ability and interceptions

PLAYED A BIT LIKE: Aaron Hughes

Gale came through the youth ranks at Fulham, making his debut at the age of 16 during the 1977/78 campaign and would line-up for the Whites for a total of seven seasons. He was known as a ball-playing centre-back, who often started attacking moves from deep.

He was an exceptional reader of the game, and was rarely out-thought by opposing strikers. Despite winning youth caps for England, a senior cap eluded him – although many Fulham fans agree he was good enough to represent his country.

In August 1984 he joined West Ham United, and helped the Hammers to two League Cup Semi-Finals and one FA Cup Semi-Final. Having joined Blackburn Rovers in 1994, he was part of the side that lifted the Premier League trophy at the end of the 1994/95 season. He also spent a short spell at Crystal Palace and Maidenhead United before retiring in 1998.

DID YOU KNOW? Gale is a regular pundit and match analyst on Sky Sports. He also writes a column on the Club’s website.